In the last few years, Madrid has gained the reputation of being one of Europe's most active and attractive cities for its nightlife and cultural activities. Capital of Spain since 1562, Madrid's museums host, among others, Dalís, Mirós and Picasso's Guernica. Madrid is a city of great contrasts: the Old City, the Madrid of the Hapsburgs, the Royal Palace, the Puerta de Alcala, the Retiro Park. At night, the city changes gears with its famous Madrid nightlife. The city's endless energy is hard to resist, and its sociable style invites you to jump right in.

Barcelona, the old Roman Barcino, is Spain`s second city, always on the biting edge of fashion, architecture, food, style, music and good times. Walk its narrow streets and wonderful plazas, or along the Ramblas, stretching from Plaza de Cataluña to the Harbor, encompassing the magic of the city: stalls full of books, birds and flowers. The city`s most powerful monuments open a window onto its history: the intricately carved edifices that comprise the medieval Gothic Quarter; the curvilinear modernism (Catalan Art Nouveau) that inspired Gaudí's Sagrada Familia; and the seminal surrealist works of Picasso and Miró, found in museums that peg Barcelona as a crucial incubator for 20th-century art. The recent restoration of the port area began with the development of a harbor for the Olympic Games of 1992. New modern squares, designed by leading artists such as Miró and Barceló have created a new style alongside Gaudi's modernist buildings. Now the city is ready to show every visitor how it has been transformed into one of the most moderns and active cities in Europe.

Land of history and tourism, this great fortress city, perched on a rocky hilltop, rises against the spectacular background of the Montagne Noire, the Black Mountain, to the north. The fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children`s storybook when it`s seen from afar, time seems to stand still in this place filled with magic. Whether it is the Cathar castles, fortified Cité de Carcassonne and the more expansive lower city, or the Canal du Midi, Carcassonne offers a land with a unique character to be explored.

The most charming center in all Provence, this university town was once a seat of aristocracy, its streets walked by counts and kings. The countryside of Aix-en-Provence nearby attracts every year, many tourists. The gentle way of life, the incomparable light fascinated the artists and its beautiful countryside inspired the painter Paul Cézanne for a lifetime. Summer brings frequent cultural events, ranging from opera to jazz, June through August.

Nice is the capital of the Riviera, yet far less glamorous and expensive than Cannes. It's also one of the most ancient, having been founded by the Greeks, who called it "Nike," or Victory. Because of its brilliant sunshine and relaxed living, it has attracted in the past famous artists and writers. The best trip center on the Riviera, you can choose to explore region or hang out in its famous cafes. But the most obvious hangout spot here is the beach. The Nice beach is rocks, just rocks so wear a pair of good sandals.

Best known for the world famous Leaning Tower, yet there are other architectural and artistic marvels of this beautiful city. Around the Campo dei Miracoli`s perimeter you`ll also find the Camposanto, Opera del Duomo museum and Museum of the Sinopie. A few blocks away, the Piazza dei Cavalieri once was the heart of power in the city and later the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen. Today, it is a center of culture and learning as the famous Scuola Normale di Pisa has its base in the Palazzo della Carovana that faces onto the piazza. Birthplace of the famed Galileo Galilei, Pisa is also home to one of Italy’s top universities. The city is animated by the students, who organize parties, shows, and cultural events, and fill the central street of the city at night. The University of Pisa has 60,000 students in a city of about 100,000 inhabitants. Few bother to find out that Pisa was founded circa 1000 b.c. and became an important maritime republic alongside Venice, Amalfi, and Genoa.

Montecatini Terme is heaven for those who love spa treatments! The curative powers of the hot springs and steaming vaporous caverns of the Valdinevole have been renowned for centuries. The Parco dei Termi, a long park of neoclassical temples expanding over the sources of various underground hot springs is the ideal place for relaxation. Here you will find Terme Tettuccio, a historic spa famous for its thermal waters. It`s a lavish Liberty-style building with a park was built in the latter part of the 18th century by Leopold of Hasburg, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. He also had two other spas built, the Regina and the Leopoldine, and the three spas made this area famous all over Europe, boasting their obvious riches and royalty. There is also the Grotto of Monsummano, a series of lime caves with a steaming lake and hot rooms that are said to cure people who enter.

But it`s not only spas! Walk the town`s main street of Viale Verdi ; visit the Hamlet of Montecatini Alto with ancient castles, churches and towers upon an enchanting hill; and go to Piazza Giusti, an ancient sanctuary with its original stone flooring and noble coat of arms. There is also the Parlascio, a historic site of public markets and assemblies, the town center`s historic fountains, as well as the Roman Church of Saint Peter with its gorgeous paintings spanning through several historical ages.

Distances: Florence - 31 miles, Pisa - 33 miles, Siena - 74 miles

2 nights in Florence

Art, culture, food and wine, Florence has it all! A city rich in beauty, it is a wondrous collection of buildings, paintings and sculptures, leading some to say by simply walking its streets Florence is an open museum to all who visit. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, when a period of great wealth and collection of art took place (between 14th to 17th centuries), today Florence has almost 70 museums to explore not including its many churches full of artistic treasures too. This is truly one of the world`s must see sights!

Rome is undeniably stunning, from its rich ancient culture, must try pizzas and coffees or just experiencing a touch of Europe. This city is packed full of sights, with thousands of years of history layered upon itself - you`ll find everything here from Roman ruins to Renaissance art. It`s also home to fantastic food, the Vatican City and sights galore!

Recommended Stay: At least 3 nightsMust See`s:
Explore the Roman Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine; Discover the Vatican, the smallest independent state in the world; Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain; Marvel at the Pantheon; Sit on the Spanish Steps; Wander the Piazzas; Eat the best Gelato in Rome; Climb Palatine Hill; Walk the Ancient Appian Way; Go to the Vatican Museums and so much more!

For centuries, Italy has drawn foreign visitors, mostly for its architectural, artistic and scenic splendors. Italy can truly be all things to all people. For some the Italian experience is full of passion and excitement, urbanity, crowds and noise. For others it is a quiet rural idyll where the traditional life can be experienced. Its great cities are replete with fantastic works of art ranging from the Roman times to the Renaissance. Even then, many visitors will forego the rich attractions of culture in favor of some of the most unspoilt beaches and spectacular mountains in the world.

Spain

Spain is a country of passion, excitement and enthusiasm unlike any other in Western Europe. Madrid, the magnificent capital, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville are effervescent cosmopolitan cities with some of the best museums and galleries in Europe. Costa-style resorts take much of the coast up although cities such as Alicante, Marbella, Malaga and Mallorca's Palma retain their charm. And everywhere you can find secret hideaways with empty beaches. The best way to explore rural Spain is to visit Galicia and Asturias, the arid villages of Andalucia and the peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the Pyrenees.

France

France remains one of the worlds most talked-about and written-about destinations. Whether the romance of Paris sweeps you off your feet or you fall gently for the relaxed life of Provence, France is a place for lovers, and will leave you spellbound. Paris is undoubtedly one of the world's great cities, with enough monuments, museums, restaurants, theatres and shows to last a lifetime. The northern provinces of Normandy and Brittany are steeped in history while the Loire Valley is world famous for its châteaux. And there is more to explore.

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* Sample prices displayed include international and domestic airline tickets as per itinerary and ALL airline-related taxes and fuel surcharges and are per person, based on double occupancy, and are dynamic in nature. Prices do not include insurance or delivery charges which are optional and customizable by the traveler. The airfare portion of the itinerary price is based on economy class, midweek departure. Prices do not include fees for carry on or checked baggage which can add additional fees per ticket on a roundtrip flight based on carrier charges. It also does not include any entrance fees or visa fees that may be charged at international airports. Some cities may charge local taxes that can only be collected by hotel at destination.
Prices were accurate at the time we posted them. Sample prices were for a specific travel date and specific departure airport, as indicated. Your prices will vary according to departure cities and travel dates. We do not control prices (airlines and hotel reservation systems do). Prices may change dynamically and at times significantly numerous times during any given day.

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Madrid

In the last few years, Madrid has gained the reputation of being one of Europe's most active and attractive cities for its nightlife and cultural activities. Capital of Spain since 1562, Madrid's museums host, among others, Dalís, Mirós and Picasso's Guernica. Madrid is a city of great contrasts: the Old City, the Madrid of the Hapsburgs, the Royal Palace, the Puerta de Alcala, the Retiro Park. At night, the city changes gears with its famous Madrid nightlife. The city's endless energy is hard to resist, and its sociable style invites you to jump right in.

Barcelona, the old Roman Barcino, is Spain`s second city, always on the biting edge of fashion, architecture, food, style, music and good times. Walk its narrow streets and wonderful plazas, or along the Ramblas, stretching from Plaza de Cataluña to the Harbor, encompassing the magic of the city: stalls full of books, birds and flowers. The city`s most powerful monuments open a window onto its history: the intricately carved edifices that comprise the medieval Gothic Quarter; the curvilinear modernism (Catalan Art Nouveau) that inspired Gaudí's Sagrada Familia; and the seminal surrealist works of Picasso and Miró, found in museums that peg Barcelona as a crucial incubator for 20th-century art. The recent restoration of the port area began with the development of a harbor for the Olympic Games of 1992. New modern squares, designed by leading artists such as Miró and Barceló have created a new style alongside Gaudi's modernist buildings. Now the city is ready to show every visitor how it has been transformed into one of the most moderns and active cities in Europe.

Land of history and tourism, this great fortress city, perched on a rocky hilltop, rises against the spectacular background of the Montagne Noire, the Black Mountain, to the north. The fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children`s storybook when it`s seen from afar, time seems to stand still in this place filled with magic. Whether it is the Cathar castles, fortified Cité de Carcassonne and the more expansive lower city, or the Canal du Midi, Carcassonne offers a land with a unique character to be explored.

The most charming center in all Provence, this university town was once a seat of aristocracy, its streets walked by counts and kings. The countryside of Aix-en-Provence nearby attracts every year, many tourists. The gentle way of life, the incomparable light fascinated the artists and its beautiful countryside inspired the painter Paul Cézanne for a lifetime. Summer brings frequent cultural events, ranging from opera to jazz, June through August.

Nice is the capital of the Riviera, yet far less glamorous and expensive than Cannes. It's also one of the most ancient, having been founded by the Greeks, who called it "Nike," or Victory. Because of its brilliant sunshine and relaxed living, it has attracted in the past famous artists and writers. The best trip center on the Riviera, you can choose to explore region or hang out in its famous cafes. But the most obvious hangout spot here is the beach. The Nice beach is rocks, just rocks so wear a pair of good sandals.

Best known for the world famous Leaning Tower, yet there are other architectural and artistic marvels of this beautiful city. Around the Campo dei Miracoli`s perimeter you`ll also find the Camposanto, Opera del Duomo museum and Museum of the Sinopie. A few blocks away, the Piazza dei Cavalieri once was the heart of power in the city and later the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen. Today, it is a center of culture and learning as the famous Scuola Normale di Pisa has its base in the Palazzo della Carovana that faces onto the piazza. Birthplace of the famed Galileo Galilei, Pisa is also home to one of Italy’s top universities. The city is animated by the students, who organize parties, shows, and cultural events, and fill the central street of the city at night. The University of Pisa has 60,000 students in a city of about 100,000 inhabitants. Few bother to find out that Pisa was founded circa 1000 b.c. and became an important maritime republic alongside Venice, Amalfi, and Genoa.

Montecatini Terme is heaven for those who love spa treatments! The curative powers of the hot springs and steaming vaporous caverns of the Valdinevole have been renowned for centuries. The Parco dei Termi, a long park of neoclassical temples expanding over the sources of various underground hot springs is the ideal place for relaxation. Here you will find Terme Tettuccio, a historic spa famous for its thermal waters. It`s a lavish Liberty-style building with a park was built in the latter part of the 18th century by Leopold of Hasburg, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. He also had two other spas built, the Regina and the Leopoldine, and the three spas made this area famous all over Europe, boasting their obvious riches and royalty. There is also the Grotto of Monsummano, a series of lime caves with a steaming lake and hot rooms that are said to cure people who enter.

But it`s not only spas! Walk the town`s main street of Viale Verdi ; visit the Hamlet of Montecatini Alto with ancient castles, churches and towers upon an enchanting hill; and go to Piazza Giusti, an ancient sanctuary with its original stone flooring and noble coat of arms. There is also the Parlascio, a historic site of public markets and assemblies, the town center`s historic fountains, as well as the Roman Church of Saint Peter with its gorgeous paintings spanning through several historical ages.

Distances: Florence - 31 miles, Pisa - 33 miles, Siena - 74 miles

Florence

Art, culture, food and wine, Florence has it all! A city rich in beauty, it is a wondrous collection of buildings, paintings and sculptures, leading some to say by simply walking its streets Florence is an open museum to all who visit. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, when a period of great wealth and collection of art took place (between 14th to 17th centuries), today Florence has almost 70 museums to explore not including its many churches full of artistic treasures too. This is truly one of the world`s must see sights!

Rome is undeniably stunning, from its rich ancient culture, must try pizzas and coffees or just experiencing a touch of Europe. This city is packed full of sights, with thousands of years of history layered upon itself - you`ll find everything here from Roman ruins to Renaissance art. It`s also home to fantastic food, the Vatican City and sights galore!

Recommended Stay: At least 3 nightsMust See`s:
Explore the Roman Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine; Discover the Vatican, the smallest independent state in the world; Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain; Marvel at the Pantheon; Sit on the Spanish Steps; Wander the Piazzas; Eat the best Gelato in Rome; Climb Palatine Hill; Walk the Ancient Appian Way; Go to the Vatican Museums and so much more!

* Sample prices displayed include international and domestic airline tickets as per itinerary and ALL airline-related taxes and fuel surcharges and are per person, based on double occupancy, and are dynamic in nature. Prices do not include insurance or delivery charges which are optional and customizable by the traveler. The airfare portion of the itinerary price is based on economy class, midweek departure. Prices do not include fees for carry on or checked baggage which can add additional fees per ticket on a roundtrip flight based on carrier charges. It also does not include any entrance fees or visa fees that may be charged at international airports. Some cities may charge local taxes that can only be collected by hotel at destination.
Prices were accurate at the time we posted them. Sample prices were for a specific travel date and specific departure airport, as indicated. Your prices will vary according to departure cities and travel dates. We do not control prices (airlines and hotel reservation systems do). Prices may change dynamically and at times significantly numerous times during any given day.